That place totally blows, actually. Frightfully cold in their winter, where most lubrications solidify and insulation on wires turns into confetti. In the summer, you only get to see one star for mont

I would say it is most likely OTA cone error, possibly combined with some OTA component flexure or flop. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

Dew heaters are famous for interfering with sensitive cameras. They use a lot of current and switch one and off regularly, which can put spikes on the supply going to other devices. The proper applica

Recall and sync are almost exactly the same thing. Except sync will confuse your servo controller if your counterweights are above your OTA. Basically, always use Recal. Further, depending on your ser

My 900 handled my C14 perfectly. I eventually upgraded to the 1100 to get through-the-mount cabling. If it wasn't for that one feature, I would still be using the 900. AND I REGRET SELLING MY 900! Wha

More than sufficient. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

I have been looking for the ideal travel case or bag for it. One that has a compartment for reading glasses! -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

USB-3, USB-C and a native DB-9 serial port! So many things I do require talking to astronomy, scientific and networking equipment via an RS-232 terminal connection. And the keyboard is backlit and the

I recently got a GPD micro-laptop for engineering work travel. It is gobs of fun. Just don't forget your reading glasses. I got the cheapest model and have been really impressed with it. Due to a rece

Close enough to hear and smell it! -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

I have pics, vids and time-lapse vids on YouTube and Facebook. Search on Christopher Erickson. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

EVERYTHING to UTC and TZ 0. Lat/Lon/Alt are set to local coordinates. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

In any observatory I set up, I set EVERYTHING in the observatory to UT. "Always take the high road. There's less traffic." -Christopher Erickson Observatory Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, Hawaii

I always set my hand controllers to UT and never worry about DST. "Always take the high road. There's less traffic." -Christopher Erickson Observatory Engineer Summit Kinetics Waikoloa, Hawaii

I plan to get one of those too. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com

This has been my plan. Use my (buckets of fun) RST-135E and sell it the moment I have my greedy fingers wrapped around a Mach-Mini. "Always take the high road. There's less traffic." -Christopher Eric

I have an RST-135E, a ZWO AM5 and I used to have an RST-135. Of those, the RST-135 would be my suggestion. I haven't done much with my Mach1, 1100GTO and 1600GTO since getting into the small harmonic

NEVER use WD-40 on ANY part of a telescope or mount. It is a PENETRANT, NOT a lubricant. It penetrates into everything. It dissolves and ruins real lubricants, it can ruin optical coatings, it can rui

#Mach2GTO

I say quit removing the Hyperstar and cam. For lots of reasons. Make up a custom draw-string bag to put over the end of the scope, Hyperstar and cam. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikolo

#Mach2GTO

But it is NOT raw aluminum to raw aluminum. -Christopher Erickson Observatory engineer Waikoloa, HI 96738 www.summitkinetics.com